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Liverpool ready to hijack €40m Man Utd deal for French ace – ‘long, fruitful phone call’ held with his agent

PARIS, FRANCE - OCTOBER 10: Eduardo Camavinga warms up during a France soccer team training session at Stade de France on October 10, 2020 in Paris, France. (Photo by Aurelien Meunier/Getty Images)

Liverpool have made initial contact with Eduardo Camavinga and his representation, ICM Stellar Sports, as a deal to sign Saul stalls due to Barcelona intervention.

Earlier this week, Anfield Central reported that Saul was the subject of a €40million plus bonuses bid from the Reds.

This was promptly rejected by Atletico Madrid as they are holding for €50million all cash. Then, negotiations were opened over a swap deal with Barcelona for Antoine Griezmann.

BARCELONA, SPAIN - SEPTEMBER 24: Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrating their team's first goal during the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF at Camp Nou on September 24, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain.

BARCELONA, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 24: Antoine Griezmann and Lionel Messi of FC Barcelona celebrating their team’s first goal during the Liga match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal CF at Camp Nou on September 24, 2019 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

These talks are advanced but and while the finances involved could derail the deal, Liverpool are taking precautions by enquiring over other targets.

Crucially, with Manchester United preoccupied with negotiating a deal for Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane, there is a small window of opportunity regarding Rennes’ Eduardo Camavinga.

The 18-year-old burst onto the scene in spectacular fashion in 2019 when he made his professional debut against PSG at 16.

He has just one year remaining on his contract and is in a position of power regarding his future. He is free to leave for around €40million.

Anfield Central understands that Liverpool contacted Camavinga’s representation, who they have a strong relationship with after they brokered Ibou Konate’s move, and, after what was described as a ‘long, fruitful phone call’ with his agent, are seriously considering him as a target this summer.

It’s important to note that he is not Liverpool’s first choice which may play a role in Camavinga’s decision making but that remains to be seen while Real Madrid have been in contact as well and are able to make a much great financial offer as well able to fast track his progress into the first team.

Saul remains the first choice for Liverpool but unless the Reds increase their offer to Atletico Madrid and the player himself chooses Merseyside over Catalonia, a deal will not materialise.